Beth Ann Ridenour, 65, passed away on December 4, 2019 at St Luke’s Hospital – Barry Road in Kansas City, MO, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on September 30, 1954 in Elkhart, KS to the late Walter Loren and Helen Patricia “Pat” (Gallivan) Ridenour.
Following graduation from Hugoton High School in Hugoton, KS in 1972, Beth Ann went on to attend Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in Emporia, KS. Graduating with honors, she received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1975.
Beth Ann began her career as a civil servant with the Marine Corp in 1977. A few years later, she took a job as a Systems Programmer for Farmland Industries, which later merged its IT services with Capgemini. She retired in 2009 after almost 30 years with the company.
During her retirement, Beth Ann enjoyed creating custom beaded jewelry and kept quite busy creating custom rosaries for families of the Catholic faith. She also enjoyed exploring her ancestry and family history using her sharp research and analytical skills. Cats were also a passion of Beth Ann’s, having Mohini and Ashanti for many years, followed by Rocky and Dusty later in her life.
While an avid fan of all sports, Beth Ann’s favorite team was the Kansas City Royals and baseball season was her favorite time of year. She loved nothing more than tracking all seven great-nephews baseball games, across three different states, using an app on her phone. She didn’t want to miss a hit, pitch, catch, or steal!
Survivors include one brother, Stephen (Brenda) Ridenour of Blanchard, OK; one sister, Laura (Gary) Simmons of Elkhart, KS; nephew Darrin (Rhonda) Simmons and children, Hannah, Weston, and Cameron, of Mason, OH; nephew Eric (Megan) Simmons and children, Cade, Cooper, Carston, and Colton, of Pittsburg, KS; niece Tena (Mike) Sapp and children, Kendall and Caleb, of Jefferson City, MO; and nephew Jay Ridenour of Mustang, OK.
Beth Ann requested there be no memorial service; however, the family will honor her life by attending a Royals game in the spring - a celebration she would most certainly approve! Memorial donations are suggested to KC Pet Project (kcpetproject.org).
second cousin ,St Paul ,Minnesota
Beth Ann was a cousin, she was in my life from the beginning. She was loving, giving and all around great. We shared a love of jewelry making/beading and cats. I celebrate her life and am richer for having grown up with her.
Second Cousin ,Olathe ,Kansas
Beth Ann's love for the Royals was legendary in the family! We would often visit from California in the summer and I'm not sure which was more entertaining, Beth or the game. Although we didn't see her much recently, she will be missed by my mother, Nan Wolfe, and I.
childhood friend ,Rohnert Park ,California
i grew up with Steve, Laurie and Beth! Laurie and I were in the same classes from first through 12th grade and Beth and Steve were always first-rate kids. Their mother, Pat, was a good friend of my mother's. Although I had not seen Beth in many years, I remember her fondly and offer my condolences to her family and friends.